Chapter 25 - The Council's Final Vote
Six months later, the council gathered again.
Sofia entered the room alone.
Damian did not come.
She had asked him not to.
This was hers.
Helena Voss stood.
“The financial audit is complete.”
Sofia waited.
“The foundation is solvent.”
Another member spoke.
“The hospital initiative exceeded expectations.”
A third added:
“The trust has been fully documented and independently reviewed.”
Sofia remained silent.
Then Helena asked:
“Do you believe you deserve permanent authority over the Volkov trust?”
Sofia thought about the question.
“No.”
The room became still.
Helena raised an eyebrow.
“Explain.”
“I don't think anyone deserves permanent authority.”
Sofia looked around the table.
“Not me.”
“Not Damian.”
“Not any council member.”
She continued.
“I think authority should always come with accountability.”
She proposed a new structure.
The trust would remain under family stewardship.
But every major decision would be independently audited.
No single person could access the full assets.
No family member could override the rules.
The council would remain accountable too.
Helena smiled.
“That is exactly what your grandfather wanted.”
Sofia's eyes filled with tears.
“Then I accept the responsibility.”
The vote was unanimous.
Sofia was confirmed as permanent steward of the Volkov legacy.
Not queen.
Not owner.
Steward.
May you like
And she preferred that word.
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